The Union Budget 2026 has made it abundantly evident that women’s entrepreneurship in India is about to embark on its next phase of expansion. Following the success of the Lakhpati Didi program, which enabled millions of women to begin earning a living, the government is now concentrating on establishing businesses rather than generating income. Helping women not only earn money but also own, run, and grow businesses is a straightforward but effective concept.
The launch of SHE Marts, which stands for Self-Help Entrepreneurs Marts, is among the most exciting announcements in this direction.
Objective of She Marts
Announced in the Union Budget 2026, the SHE Marts Mission builds on the success of the Lakhpati Didi program and marks a decisive shift in India’s approach to women-led livelihoods.
The mission’s primary goal is to close the gap between local and urban consumption and rural production. Women who work in handicrafts, agriculture-related fields, animal husbandry, and other traditional occupations will no longer be limited to minimal income . Rather, they will receive assistance as they make the shift to enterprise ownership and entrepreneurship.
Key objectives are
Access to Markets
Establish long-term online and physical marketplaces for Self-Help Group (SHG)-produced goods to provide regular exposure, increased reach, and direct customer contact.
Transition of the Enterprise
Encourage women to transition from credit-driven livelihoods to becoming owners and managers of sustainable businesses, particularly in rural areas.
Standardization and branding
Give rural goods the professional packaging, branding, quality assurance, and standardization they need to satisfy organized market demands and compete with well-known brands.
Income Self-Sufficiency
Provide women with steady and long-term employment opportunities, thereby directly supporting the country’s objective of producing 3 crore Lakhpati Didis.
Boosting Community-Based Organisations
Enable community-owned retail and enterprise models to be managed, run, and scaled by Cluster-Level Federations (CLFs), which are registered community groups formed by bringing together several Self-Help Groups (SHGs) or Village Organizations (VOs) from a nearby area, usually within a block or sub-block, thereby support regional economies.
Who Can Participate in the Program?
Although comprehensive state-specific guidelines are being released, the SHE Marts Mission is especially intended for women working at the grassroots level. General eligibility requirements include:
- Women who actively participate in a Self-Help Group (SHG) that is registered with the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) are known as SHG Mart Members.
- Cluster-Level Federations (CLFs): Serving as the parent organization for several village-level SHGs, CLFs voluntarily assign and oversee the outlets.
- Lakhpati Didi Recipients: Women who have already been identified or trained under the Lakhpati Didi program are given preference.
- Women who work in traditional crafts, manufacturing, or food processing in a rural cluster are known as rural artisans and manufacturers.
How to Apply for SHE Marts
SHE Marts are operated by the current network of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and are owned by the community. The State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs) handle the application process, which facilitates participation for women who are already members of SHGs.
Key Documents and Requirements:
- SHG Membership Proof: Documentation confirming active membership in an NRLM-registered SHG.
- Proposal of Interest: Detailed proposal for products to be sold, covering quality, quantity, and marketability.
- Business/Product Details: Information on products (handicrafts, farm produce, etc.) to be sold via the Mart.
- KYC Documents: Aadhar card, PAN card, and address proof for the applicant.
- Bank Details: Bank account details linked to the SHG.
Detailed Application Procedure
Step 1: Join a SHG
Verify that there is an active Self-Help Group (SHG) in your community. To join an SHG if you haven’t already, get in touch with your Block Development Office or Gram Panchayat.
Step 2: Use Your Cluster-Level Federation (CLF) to Apply
Your SHG must submit a proposal or Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Cluster-Level Federation (CLF) to which it belongs.
Step 3: Product Review
The CLF and SRLM officials will review your products to check quality, quantity, and whether they are suitable for the market.
Step 4: Training and Capacity Building
If shortlisted, SHG members will receive basic training in areas like inventory management, digital payments, and customer handling.
Step 5: Get Access to Finance
Women entrepreneurs can use the financing options announced in the budget, including innovative funding instruments, to arrange capital for inventory or retail setup.
Step 6: Register Digitally
States are rolling out dedicated digital portals (such as Jan Samarth) where Cluster-Level Federation (CLF) can register for SHE Mart branding and official support.
Keep checking updates from your District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) and State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) for official announcements about SHE Mart shop allotments in your area.
FAQs
Who can participate in SHE marts?
Women-led self-help groups (SHGs) with a stable annual income of at least ₹1 lakh are eligible to participate. These SHGs typically fall under the Lakhpati Didi framework.
How are SHE Marts linked to the Lakhpati Didi Programme?
While the Lakhpati Didi program focuses on helping women increase their income and achieve financial stability, SHE Marts take this progress forward by enabling women to become enterprise owners.
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